Geographically diverse canid sampling provides novel insights into pre-industrial microbiomes.

Canine microbiome studies are often limited in the geographic and temporal scope of samples studied. This results in a paucity of data on the canine microbiome around the world, especially in contexts where dogs may not be pets or human associated. Here, we present the shotgun sequences of fecal microbiomes of pet dogs from South Africa, shelter and stray dogs from India, and stray village dogs in Laos. We additionally performed a dietary experiment with dogs housed in a veterinary medical school, attempting to replicate the diet of the sampled dogs from Laos. We analyse the taxonomic diversity in these populations and identify the underlying functional redundancy of these microbiomes. Our results show that diet alone is not sufficient to recapitulate the higher diversity seen in the microbiome of dogs from Laos. Comparisons to previous studies and ancient dog fecal microbiomes highlight the need for greater population diversity in studies of canine microbiomes, as modern analogues can provide better comparisons to ancient microbiomes. We identify trends in microbial diversity and industrialization in dogs that mirror results of human studies, suggesting future research can make use of these companion animals as substitutes for humans in studying the effects of industrialization on the microbiome.

Effects of non- aureus staphylococci on colostrum composition, properties and fatty acid profile in cow - a preliminary study.

By providing the body with essential nutrients, colostrum plays an immune and immunostimulating function. Colostrum quality depends on multiple factors, including microbial presence. This study aimed to explore the effect of non-aureus staphylococci on colostrum quality. Physical and chemical properties, fatty acid profile of cow colostrum were determined. In our study, we identified three non- aureus staphylococci species in the colostrum: S. sciuri, S. xylosus and S. warneri. The percentage of dry matter in staphylococci positive and negative colostrum samples did not differ significantly. Contents of fat, protein, and lactose in the colostrum were similar. The content of butyric (С4:0) and capric (С10:0) acids was significantly higher in the colostrum fat from samples positive for non- aureus staphylococci. Total bacterial count was lower in non- aureus staphylococci positive samples, while pH increased. The percentage of ß-casein was lower in colostrum with a positive culture for non- aureus staphylococci.

Fatty acid profile of ewe's milk infected with Staphylococcus spp.

BACKGROUND: Mastitis in sheep caused by Staphylococcus spp. is a serious concern for dairy farming. AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the intramammary infection (IMI) caused by Staphylococcus spp. on the lon g-chain fatty acid profile and composition of ewe's milk. METHODS: The experiment was conducted in a herd of Zoslachtena Valaska sheep. Half-udder milk samples were collected from 20 weight-matched sheep at the peak of their first or second lactation. The basic physicochemical composition of milk, somatic cell count (SCC), Staphylococcus spp. infection, and total bacterial contamination (TBC) were determined. The fatty acid profile of the milk fat was determined using gas chromatography. RESULTS: The SCC in milk infected with Staphylococcus spp. was 3.25 times higher (P<0.01) than that in the uninfected milk samples. The content of lauric acid (С12:0) was higher (P<0.05) in the milk fat of infected ewes. A significant increase (P<0.05) in the share of linoleic acid (C18:2n6t), arachidonic acid (C20:4n6), and a decrease (P<0.01) in the vaccenic acid (C18:1n7t) were observed in the milk collected from ewes infected with Staphylococcus spp.. Staphylococcus spp. infection increased the ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSION: Changes in the fatty acid profile of milk caused by Staphylococcus spp. infection decrease the value of ewes' milk as a health-promoting product.

An effect of mammary gland infection caused by Streptococcus uberis on composition and physicochemical changes of cows' milk.

An effect of mammary gland infection caused by Streptococcus uberis on the changes in cows' milk composition and its physicochemical properties was examined. The study was conducted in the herd of Slovak Pied breed cattle (with a share of HF blood), in 2nd and 3rd lactation, after 4th month of milking. Milk samples were collected from a quarter milking. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, basic milk composition, total bacteria count, somatic cell count and physicochemical properties were examined. Also analyses of protein fractions share and fatty acids profile were conducted. An effect of bacterial infection of the mammary gland bring an increase (P<0.01) in somatic cell count was observed in this study. Milk samples contaminated with S. uberis were characterized by higher (P<0.05) total bacteria count and total protein compared to milk samples collected from non-infected mammary gland. The level of κ-casein was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in cows with subclinical mastitis caused by S. uberis. Significant (P<0.05) reduction in the share of C13:0 acid, and an increased level of C18:0, C18:1n7t and CLA were observed in milk contaminated with S. uberis compared to healthy cows' milk. It should be concluded that S. uberis causes the increase in total bacteria count, SCC and the decrease in κ-casein level, which significantly affects deterioration of technological quality of cows' milk.

Effects of udder infections with Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus warneri on the composition and physicochemical changes in cows milk.

The aim of this study was an evaluation of the effects of two species of coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus warneri, on the changes in technological parameters of cows' milk. The study was conducted in a herd of Slovak Pied cattle breed (with share of HF blood). Based on the performance results from three subsequent months, cows in the 2nd and 3rd lactation with SCC up to 200 thousand/ml (8 heads, 32 quarters), and above 800 thousand/ml (8 heads, 32 quarters), after the 4th month of lactation, were selected. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, total bacteria count, somatic cell count; basic milk composition and physicochemical properties were also examined. The research has found the impact of bacterial infection on the increasing (p<0.05) of the number of somatic cells and a decrease (p<0.01) in protein levels in milk due to both types of staphylococci. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in C8: 0, C10: 0 and the total amount of saturated fatty acids in the milk of the infected cows in comparison to the healthy ones. The research also revealed higher (p<0.01) levels of C14: 0 and C20: 1 in milk from the healthy cows.

In vitro study of the effect of corn dried distillers grains with solubles on rumen fermentation in sheep.

The aim of the in vitro study was to determine the effect of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (corn DDGS), used as a replacement for the concentrate ingredients of sheep diet, on rumen fermentation. The material for the study was the ruminal fluid of Polish Merino sheep which was incubated during 4-, 8- or 24-hour periods. Five groups of samples were prepared for in vitro fermentation: C - control, incubated with the substrate consisting of the concentrate ingredients; D1, D2 and D3, where DDGS was used as a substrate added in proportions of 10, 20 and 30% of dry matter of the concentrate; and D4, where 100% DDGS was used as a substrate. After fermentation, the gas and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analyses were performed using gas chromatography. The ammonia concentration and pH were also determined, and the SCFA utilization index (NGR), the fermentation efficiency (FE) and the index of cell yield of ruminal microorganisms (CY) were calculated. This research showed no effect of DDGS on the methane emission. The positive correlations between the amount of methane and ammonia concentrations in the 8- and 24-hour fermentation periods were found. DDGS addition increased propionate proportion, but decreased production of acetate (p<0.01). Additionally, D1, D2, D3 and D4 substrates lowered isobutyrate (p<0.05) and isovalerate (p<0.01) production. Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that partial substitution of the concentrate ingredients with DDGS did not have deleterious effect on sheep rumen fermentation processes.

The impact of cow nutrition in the dry period on colostrum quality and immune status of calves.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of energy contents in a dry period diets in "7+1" feeding strategy of dry cow including 7 weeks of the dry period (far-off) and 1 week of a close-up period, on colostrum quality and the immune status of calves. Forty Holstein multiparous cows were dried at 56d before the expected date of calving and were assigned to the higher energy diet group (HE; 0.69 UFL/kg DM, NDF 52% DM), or the lower energy diet group (LE; 0.61 UFL/1kg DM, NDF 56% DM). From -7d to the expected calving date up to 21 d of lactation, all cows were fed the same fresh, lactation diet. Samples of colostrum were collected within 2h after parturition and its density, dry matter content and concentrations of immunoglobulins, fat, protein, lactose, urea and somatic cell counts were measured. Calves were weighed 2 h after calving and on the 21d of life. On 3d and 21d of calves' life blood samples were collected and the concentration of IgG, IgA, IgM, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) as well as total protein and albumin concentrations were determined. Treatments had no significant effect on composition of colostrum and serum immunoglobulins and IGF-1 concentration. In both groups the weight of calves at birth was similar, still daily body weight gain during 21 day of rearing period in HE group was higher than in the LE group (P=0.05).

Intracellular cytokines of peripheral blood lymphocytes in nephrotic syndrome.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) is probably caused by abnormalities in T-lymphocyte function. The presence of several immunological abnormalities in these patients supports this hypothesis, but to date there is no agreement about immunological status and its influence on the course of NS. Thirty-six children with NS [19 with first episode (group I) and 17 in remission (>6 months) of NS (group II), aged 4-17 years, mean 7.1 years] were included in the study. Nineteen age-matched healthy children constituted the control group. Anti-cytokine antibodies were used in conjunction with antibodies against cell surface antigens to study cytokine synthesis in different lymphocyte populations. In the present study the intracellular synthesis of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-4, and IL-6 was measured. The intracellular synthesis of IL-2 was higher in group I compared with the controls, both in the whole population of T-lymphocytes (12.1+/-6.2% vs. 7.6+/-6.7%, P=0.0281) and in the subpopulation of CD8- lymphocytes (17.3+/-8.5% vs. 7.2+/-4.8%, P=0.0001). No significant differences in IFN-gamma intracellular expression were found. The intracellular synthesis of IL-4 was lower in group I compared with the controls, both in the whole population of T-lymphocytes (1.98+/-1.92% vs. 3.6+/-3.3%, P=0.012) and in the subpopulation of CD8- lymphocytes (2.4+/-2.3% vs. 6.5+/-6.4%, P=0.0002). Similarly, the intracellular expression of IL-6 was lower in group I compared with the control group, in the whole population of T-lymphocytes (0.85+/-0.6% vs. 2.2+/-3.1%, P=0.004), in the CD8- subpopulation (1.1+/-1.1% vs. 2.2+/-2.0%, P=0.006), and in the CD8+ subpopulation (1.1+/-0.9% vs. 2.8+/-3.4%, P=0.0008). The results of this study indicate that the acute episode of NS is associated with increased intracellular synthesis of IL-2 and decreased intracellular synthesis of IL-4 and IL-6.

[Dietary antioxidants and total antioxidant status in children with nephrotic syndrome]. / Spozycie substancji antyoksydacyjnych a calkowity potencjal antyoksydacyjny u dzieci chorych na zespól nerczycowy.

UNLABELLED: Several studies indicate the pathophysiological importance of reactive oxygen species in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS). The present study was designed to determine the effect of dietary antioxidants on antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX, GR) activity and on total antioxidant status (TAS) in children with nephrotic syndrome. 36 children with NS (19 with first episode and 17 with relapse of NS) aged 4-16 were included into the study. Total antioxidant status was estimated using two-reagent Randox Total Antioxidant Status test in plasma. All patients had normal blood pressure, normal serum creatinine level and ingested a diet appropriate for age (with individual differences). Total antioxidant status was estimated using two-reagent Randox Total Antioxidant Status test in the plasma. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superperoxide dysmutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity was using antioxidant kits (Randox). A 3-day dietary intake record was obtained from each patient and then analyzed with computer program FOOD 2.0. Laboratory investigations were performed before steroid treatment. RESULTS: 1) in children with NS TAS was significantly reduced comparing to controls (0.84 +/- 0.14, 1.21 +/- 0.62 mmol/l, p = 0.002), 2) low manganese intake was found to have negative influence on TAS (TAS = 0.38 + 14.252*Mn, p > 0.001). 3) low intake of all components of antioxidant system was found: zinc (5.6 +/- 3.5 mg/kg b.w./24 h vs 8.6 +/- 4.0 mg/kg b.w./24 h), copper (0.021 +/- 0.013 mg/kg b.w./24 h vs 0.044 +/- 0.014 mg/kg b.w./24 h), manganese (0.029 +/- 0.0021 mg/kg b.w./24 h vs. 0.067 +/- 0.023 mg/kg b.w./24 h), vitamin E (0.15 +/- 0.04 mg/kg b.w./24 h vs 0.26 +/- 0.06 mg/kg b.w./24 h) and vitamin C (0.34 +/- 0.17 mg/kg b.w./24 h vs 0.87 +/- 0.19 mg/kg b.w./24 h). CONCLUSION: In children with NS reduced antioxidant protection maybe partly associated with low intake of some vital components of the antioxidant system.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) adequacy influences serum free carnitine level.

OBJECTIVE: An evaluation of serum free carnitine level in CAPD patients in relation to dietary intake, nutritional status and CAPD adequacy and duration. STUDY DESIGN: Food diaries, nutritional (total body mass, lean body mass, serum level of proteins, carnitine, cholesterol) and adequacy (Kt/V, PCR, tCcr, EN) parameters were obtained in 23 CAPD patients. RESULTS: Normal carnitine level (41.8+/-6.7 micromol/l) was found in 17 patients being on CAPD through 11.1+/-9.6 months, whereas in 6 persons treated with CAPD through 9.7+/-4.1 months carnitine level was 25.4+/-5.7 micromol/l. Significant differences between low and normal carnitine groups were in tCcr (82.7+/-16.7 v. 65.9+/-13.2 l/wk/1.73 m2 BSA), effluent volume (10.9+/-0.8 v. 9.9+/-1.5 l/day), effluent glucose concentration (729+/-167 v. 530+/-220 mg/dl) and serum globulin level (22.6+/-6.4 v. 29.3+/-4.4 g/l). Significant correlation coefficients (for n = 23) were found between serum carnitine level and effluent volume (r=-0.509) or plasma globulin level (r=+0.522). CONCLUSION: Patients with higher CAPD adequacy show lower serum free carnitine levels and this is related to higher effluent volumes.

Effects of amino acid dialysis solution on the nutrition of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of 1.1% amino acid dialysis solution (AADS) on parameters of nutrition in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. STUDY DESIGN: Studies were performed in 8 men, using AADS for the overnight exchange. Before starting AADS, food intake, nutritional status, and laboratory indices were evaluated and compared to the respective parameters obtained after 3 and 6 months of treatment with AADS, as well as after 3 months of AADS withdrawal. With the start of AADS, doses of antacids were increased and modified during AADS administration; the modified doses were continued through 3 months after cessation of AADS. Another group of CAPD patients using standard dialysis solutions served as controls. In these patients the same parameters were evaluated four times at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: Administration of AADS resulted in: (1) 91% absorption of amino acids and improvement of serum amino acid pattern; (2) no change in nutritional intake during the treatment, but after the 3 months of AADS therapy, levels of nutrient intake were lower than those 3 months after withdrawal of AADS with correction of metabolic acidosis; (3) no change in indices of nutritional status, but 3 months after AADS discontinuation, total body weight, lean body mass, and body mass index were significantly higher than those shown after 3 months of treatment; (4) an increase in hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, BUN, and blood H+. The examined parameters were not significantly changed in patients treated for 9 months with standard dialysis solutions exclusively. The values of nitrogen balance obtained during AADS administration and after 3 months of AADS withdrawal were significantly higher than those obtained in the respective periods in the control group. The blood pH, pCO2, and HCO3- in the last period of the study were higher in the AADS group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: In relatively well-nourished CAPD patients, overnight AADS administration results in increased serum concentration of amino acids without changes in other nutritional parameters. The use of AADS should be associated with increased doses of antacid medication, which abolishes the metabolic effects of acidosis that develop during AADS administration and facilitates positive nitrogen balance.

Differences in assessment of patients with satisfactory or complicated continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis courses.

The aim of our study was a comparison of comorbid scores, peritonitis rates, dialysis adequacy, and nutritional parameters in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Patients were separated into two groups: those who, in the course of CAPD, were ingood clinical condition and underwent renal transplantation (group I, n = 11), and those who had to discontinue CAPD treatment (group II, n = 16) owing to death caused by comorbid disease or owing to transfer to hemodialysis for technique failure related mainly to recurrent peritonitis. Clinical scores were lower in group II, showing significantly more insomnia, weakness, and anorexia. The PET D/P creatinine, mean adequacy parameter, and urine output were similar in groups I and II. Daily protein intake (DPI) and daily energy intake (DEI) showed higher values in group I than in group II when expressed in g/kg and kcal/kg total body mass (TBM) respectively (DPI 1.09 +/- 0.15 g/kg TBM vs 0.92 +/- 0.31 g/kg TBM, p = 0.036; DEI 36.3 +/- 4.3 kcal/kg TBM vs 31.0 +/- 9.0 kcal/kg TBM, p = 0.048), but the intakes were not significantly different when calculated per kilogram ideal body mass (IBM). Lean body mass as a percent of total mass was 77.7% +/- 7.8% versus 73.9% +/- 6.8% (p = 0.048) in groups I and II respectively. Group I showed lower serum cholesterol than group II (179 +/- 33 mg/dL vs 231 +/- 41 mg/dL, p = 0.001) despite higher dietary intake of cholesterol (367 +/- 137 mg/day vs 251 +/- 97 mg/day, p = 0.016), correlating with DPI (r = +0.673, p = 0.023). Our results indicate that under conditions of similar CAPD adequacy, patients with a satisfactory course of CAPD therapy have higher dietary intake and are better nourished than those with a poor outcome. The changes in nutrition seem to be related to comorbid diseases and complications of CAPD therapy. Increased cholesterol level, associated with a diminished DPI, is prognostic of a poor outcome for CAPD patients.

Nutritional intake during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the adequacy of nutrition intake in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. In 34 patients, diet histories were taken every 1-3 months simultaneously with adequacy parameter estimations and total nitrogen measurements in dialysate and urine. The results were normalized to 1 kg of ideal (IBM) or lean (LBM) body mass. During the 2-year study period, there was a decrease in the intake (g/kg IBM/day) of carbohydrates (4.2 +/- 1.5 vs 3.4 +/- 1.2), fat (1.3 +/- 0.6 vs 0.8 +/- 0.2), and protein (1.18 +/- 0.43 vs 0.85 +/- 0.11); daily protein intake values were higher than those of protein catabolic rate (0.91 +/- 0.19 vs 0.77 +/- 0.17). Nitrogen balance was positive (6.6 +/- 2.1 vs 1.8 +/- 2.7 g/day). The daily energy intake (40 +/- 11 vs 32 +/- 13 kcal/kg IBM/day) did not show any tendency of increasing or decreasing, stable or otherwise. The mean intake of vitamins and minerals (except Na, K, P) was less than in healthy persons; moreover, in most cases vitamin intake did not reach values recommended for CAPD patients. Protein, mineral, and vitamin intake is usually unsatisfactory in CAPD patients. However, a positive nitrogen balance can be obtained when the energy intake is close to the optimal value of 35 kcal/kg/day.

Nutrition of uremic patients in the course of CAPD treatment.

Our aim was an evaluation of daily protein and energy intake, plasma protein, albumin, and cholesterol concentrations as well as total iron binding capacity in the course of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for up to 36 months. Our results indicate that CAPD patients, despite adequate clinical laboratory scores for up to 36 months of treatment, usually do not show optimal protein intake. When protein calorie malnutrition is prolonged, plasma proteins decrease. On the other hand, the greater the peritoneal permeability the lower the plasma protein intake.

[Comparison of indices of kinetic modelling of urea and creatinine as well as evaluation of nutritional status of patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis]. / Porównanie wskazników kinetycznego modelowania mocznika i kreatyniny oraz ocena stanu odzywienia chorych leczonych ciagla ambulatoryjna dializa otrzewnowa.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the adequacy of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) using urea and creatinine kinetics as well as nutritional indices in 5 male patients treated with CAPD (111 +/- 9 ml of dialysis solution per kg b.w. per day) during 6.9 +/- 1.3 months. For kinetic evaluation of CAPD the following parameters were used: weekly Kt/V, normalized protein catabolic rate (NPCR, g/kg b.w./day), total creatinine clearance (Cl cr, l/wk/1.73 m2) and efficacy number (1/g cr/day). Dietary protein intake (DPI, g/kg b.w./day), daily energy intake (DEI, kcal/kg b.w.), lean body mass (LBM, % b.w. and plasma albumin (PA, g/dl) were indices of nutrition. Results (mean +/- SD) of kinetic parameters indicate adequate (A), marginal (M) or inadequate (NA) evaluation of CAPD: Kt/V of 1.5 +/- 0.3 (M/NA), NPCR of 0.76 +/- 0.13 (M/NA), Cl cr of 64 +/- 25 (A/M) and EN of 5.9 +/- 0.9 (A/M). Urea and creatinine kinetics were accompanied by DPI of 1.07 +/- 0.35, DEI of 34 +/- 12 and PA of 3.73 +/- 0.38. These parameters, although obtained in overweight patients (LBM of 77 +/- 11% b.w.), indicate marginal nutritional status. Our results show that urea kinetics (Kt/V and NPCR) are more rigorous parameters in evaluation of CAPD adequacy than creatinine kinetics (Cr Cl and EN).

[Effect of compositional modification of coffee on certain indices of lipid metabolism in healthy volunteers and patients with hyperlipoproteinemia]. / Wplyw modyfikacji skladu kawy na niektóre wskazniki gospodarki lipidowej u osób zdrowych i chorych na hiperlipoproteinemie.

An effect of a 14-day drinking of coffee on some blood serum indices of lipid metabolism was investigated in 20 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with hyper lipoproteinemia (type IIb). The study was carried out in two subgroups: healthy volunteers or patients with hyperlipoproteinemia assigned to the first subgroup drank ordinary coffee and patients assigned to the second subgroup drank coffee deprived of irritant substances (4 glasses daily). It was found that ordinary coffee significantly increased total serum cholesterol and decreased serum HDL-cholesterol in healthy volunteers. Such effects were not seen in subgroup drinking coffee deprived of irritant substances. More significant increase in serum total cholesterol and decrease in serum HDL-cholesterol were found in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Drinking of modified coffee does not cause any significant changes in serum lipid metabolism. The authors concluded that drinking of the ordinary coffee should be restricted in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia and use of coffee deprived of irritant substances might be recommended to patients with this disease.

The effect of coffee deprived of irritant substances upon some indices of lipid metabolism in healthy volunteers and patients with hyperlipoproteinemia.

Effect of 14 days coffee drinking upon some blood serum indices of lipid metabolism was studied on 20 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with hyperlipoproteinemia (type IIb). The study was done in two subgroups: healthy volunteers or patients with hyperlipoproteinemia which had belonged to the first subgroup drank ordinary coffee and the ones which belonged to the second subgroup drank coffee deprived of irritant substances. (4 glasses per day). It was found that in healthy volunteers ordinary coffee had given rise to a significant increase of serum total cholesterol and to a decrease of serum HDL-cholesterol. These changes were not observed in subgroup drinking coffee deprived of irritant substances. More significant rise of serum total cholesterol and decrease of serum HDL-cholesterol were found in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Drinking of modified coffee does not cause any significant changes in serum indices of lipid metabolism. The authors concluded that drinking of ordinary coffee should be restricted in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia and coffee deprived of irritant substances might be recommended to patients with this disease.